Barack Obama: ‘He has such power … yet such humility’

Six people who heard the US president speak in London give their views

REBECCA BUNCE
29, POLICY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER FOR A CHARITY, LONDON

Bunce was praised at the event by Obama for her “fight for people with disabilities and against violence against women”.

“I think that when friends see friends making big decisions, it’s natural for them to offer advice. It is no surprise that Obama has spoken out about the EU. Both the leave and remain campaigns have talked about the referendum as the UK working out where we sit in a globalised world. We are deciding what we want our future international relationships to look like. So it seems pretty sensible that the world would want to join in the conversation with us.”

Daniel Boffey and Emma Supple

Published By - Theguardian.com - Sports New, LifeStyle News, Politics news, UK and world political comment and analysis: Sunday 24 April 2016 00.04 BST

Hillary Clinton urges Britain to remain in the European Union

US presidential hopeful weighs in on forthcoming vote as No 10 welcomes latest backing ahead of 23 June referendum

Hillary Clinton has thrown her weight behind the campaign to keep Britain inside the European Union in a major new boost to David Cameron’s hopes of winning a Remain vote on 23 June.

After Barack Obama used his farewell trip to the UK as president to make the economic and security arguments for membership, Clinton, who is the favourite to win the Democratic nomination in July and become the first female US president, makes clear that if she enters the White House she will want the UK to be fully engaged, and leading the debate, within the EU.

In a statement to the Observer, her senior policy adviser, Jake Sullivan, said: “Hillary Clinton believes that transatlantic cooperation is essential, and that cooperation is strongest when Europe is united. She has always valued a strong United Kingdom in a strong EU. And she values a strong British voice in the EU.” Sources close to the former secretary of state’s campaign said she stood fully behind Obama’s opposition to Brexit, which the president said on Friday would not only undermine the international institutions, including the EU, that had bound nations closer together since 1945, but would also mean the UK being at “the back of the queue” when negotiating new trade deals.

Toby Helm and Daniel Boffey

Published By - Theguardian.com - Sports New, LifeStyle News, Politics news, UK and world political comment and analysis: Saturday 23 April 2016 21.00 BST

The Obamas and the royals: bond with monarchy covers up political cracks

As America’s first couple joins in the Queen’s birthday celebrations, the visit contrasts with Obama’s stiff relationship with British government leaders

When Michelle Obama flies in to join her husband for birthday lunch with the Queen on Friday it will also mark an annual ritual for White House schedulers: when in doubt, reach for the royals. Throughout a presidency known for cordial but somewhat stiff relations with Britain’s political rulers, the monarchy has provided a flexible sticking plaster to cover up any sign of cracks in the special relationship.

Ever since the first lady and the Queen famously put their arms around each other during the Obamas’ first official visit to the UK, a series of surprisingly relaxed encounters have delighted diplomats on both sides of the pond.

Princes Harry, Charles and William have all paraded through the Oval Office in the last 18 months, receiving levels of presidential access and bonhomie usually reserved for current heads of state rather than those in the waiting room.

Published By - Theguardian.com - Sports New, LifeStyle News, Politics news, UK and world political comment and analysis: Thursday 21 April 2016 18.00 BST

Prince William rejects tag of do-nothing royal: 'I take duty seriously'

In interviews marking Queen’s 90th birthday, Duke of Cambridge says he will step up duties when time is right and tells of grandmother’s influence in his life

The Duke of Cambridge has defended himself over criticism that he does not complete enough royal duties.

Speaking to the BBC to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday, he said he was focusing on being a father and an air ambulance pilot but would be the “first person to accept” duties when it came for his grandmother to hand over responsibilities.

William also paid tribute to his grandmother’s sense of duty and her role as head of the Royal Family. The second-in-line to the throne said he was making the most of time to do another “worthwhile job” while he could and his family was supportive. 

He said: “I take duty very seriously. I take my responsibilities very seriously. But it’s about finding your own way at the right time and if you’re not careful duty can weigh you down at a very early age.

Published By - Theguardian.com - Sports New, LifeStyle News, Politics news, UK and world political comment and analysis: Wednesday 20 April 2016 07.06 BST